Gravity Drain Valve

ABSTRACT

A drain valve has a housing defining a drain conduit for the passage of fluids to be drained, the drain conduit having a first rim defining an inlet to the drain conduit opposite a second rim defining an outlet from the drain conduit. One or more non-return valves are within the drain conduit between the first rim and the second rim and have a closed configuration and an open configuration adapted to allow fluids to flow through the outlet of the drain conduit. A vent conduit extends within the drain conduit and comprises internally a lower valve seat, an upper valve seat and a bypass valve positioned between the lower valve seat and the upper valve seat. The bypass valve is adapted to allow gas to bypass the one or more non-return valves and escape to atmosphere when the gas reaches a predetermined pressure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/683,032 filed on Apr. 9, 2015, which claims priority on U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/995,846, filed on Apr. 22, 2014, thecontents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure concerns drain valves in which fluid can flow down adrain under the action of gravity. More particularly, this disclosureconcerns drain valves for location in a liquid outflow from a urinal,sink, floor drain or the like. Open gravity drains allow escape ofodorous gas or vapor into the surrounding air. Furthermore, they canexpose individuals to airborne contaminants or, in the case ofback-flow, water-borne contaminants, thereby increasing the risk ofinfection and potential disease transmission. It is a known fact thaturine is highly corrosive and if not flushed periodically with water, itcan corrode drain pipes.

In a conventional open drain, without a trap such as a urinal orfloor/ground drain, it is customary to flush the drain with water and/ora cleaning solution regularly in order to prevent the above problems.However, this consumes significant volumes of liquid, which representsan inefficient and wasteful use of available water resources.

In the event that an open drain is flushed or washed less regularly, thedrain can become unsanitary and the odor emanating from the drain canattract unwanted insects and vermin to its vicinity. More recent trendstowards chemical or ‘dry’ cleaning mean that the drain is moresusceptible to debris retention and clogging. In the event that a draintrap is used, clogging is particularly problematic and can quickly blockthe drain.

In order to help maintain the sanitary nature of a drain and preventescaping odor, there have been proposed a number of devices forinsertion into the drain opening within the prior art. Certain examplespropose the use of chemical holder within the urinal and open drain.However, such examples are typically bulky, such that they are not wellsuited to a retro-fit of existing drains, as well as being expensive tomanufacture. The use of chemicals means that the device requiresfrequent replacement, such that the ongoing cost to an end user issignificant. Also, the chemical is a known pollutant and so the disposalof the chemical within such devices represents a major and costlyundertaking at the water reclamation center.

Other examples of prior art devices comprise simpler valves, which areintended to remain closed when at rest, so as to prevent escape of gasfrom within the drain, but which open to allow liquid flow down thedrain.

Other types of valve members that may be used including sheath valves ora hinged, flapper valve. Duckbill valves may offer a further alternativein this context. However, the available static flow area of those valvesand the weight of liquid required to actuate the valve member into itsopen condition cause potential problems. For example, a volume liquidmay be retained above the valve member for extended periods of time,which can in itself be odorous or otherwise unsanitary. In someinstances, solids like cigarettes butts, tooth picks, mop strings andsand can catch on the hinge member causing the valve to stay in the openposition for long period of time.

Furthermore, the maximum flow rate permitted through the above examplesof prior art valves is limited by the valve design and construction andmay be insufficient to accommodate rapid flushing do to its narrow valveinside opening or, particularly in the case of ground drains, flooding.

The inventor has also found that the provision of a mechanical valve ata drain opening can cause further problems. More specifically, themovement of fluid within a drain system can cause pneumatic pressurewithin the drain and, in the case of drain backflow, hydraulic pressureat the drain opening. For an open drain, this pressure would naturallybe relieved. However, where a liquid drain trap is used, the pressureacts on the underside the drain valve. This can lead to the build-up ofexcessive pressure within the drain, which may in itself be problematicfor correct drain function, and which can in turn cause the drain valveto deform and/or become unseated, thereby preventing correct operationonce the back-pressure is relieved.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to an example embodiment, there is provided a drain valvedevice comprising a drain valve housing arranged to be located within adrain opening. The housing has a wall structure surrounding an axis soas to define an internal flow passage through the housing and a raisedstrut depending radially inwardly from the wall structure. The devicehas one or more valve membrane-type members referred to herein as“membranes” or “membrane valves”. The post mount is held within the flowpassage on the raised strut such that the one or more valve membercontacts a valve seat on the housing wall structure. The raised strut isangled relative to the axis such that the strut protrudes clear beyondthe internal flow passage.

According to another example embodiment, there is provided a drain valvedevice for location within a drain opening. The device has a drain valvehousing having a wall structure defining an internal flow passagethrough the housing. The device has a post support for one or more valvemembranes, the support being held within the flow passage such that theone or more valve membranes contacts a valve seat on the housing wallstructure. The post mount and/or support are selectively configurable toaccommodate one or a plurality of valve membranes within the housing.The valve membranes may be in the form of skirts forming “skirt valves”.

According to yet another example embodiment there is provided a drainvalve support comprising a rigid post member having an engagementformation for attachment to a drain valve support structure. The postmember has one or more membranes in the form of a skirt molded thereonsuch that the skirt valve is fused or otherwise integrally formed ontopost member, the skirt valve being of a softer material than the postand a major cost savings in manufacturing and assembly.

According to a further example embodiment, there is provided a drainvalve assembly comprising a drain cover having a plurality of flowopenings therein and a valve support member mounted to the drain cover,the valve support member comprising one or more flexible valve memberdepending therefrom, the assembly further comprising a valve memberhousing mounted relative to the drain cover so as to define a flowpassage from the flow openings through the housing into the drain inuse, the valve support member protruding into the housing such that theone or more valve member is located in the flow passage and contacts aninternal surface of the housing.

According to yet a further example embodiment, there is provided a valvemember for a drain valve, the valve member comprising a resilientelastomeric material and being shaped so as to provide a centralshoulder collar portion for mounting the valve member in use and aperipheral skirt depending radially outwardly from the shoulder collarportion, the skirt portion being arranged to yield in response to thepresence of liquid thereon in use, wherein the skirt comprises one ormore region of weakness to promote a folding action of the skirt uponyielding.

According to yet another example embodiment, a drain valve is providedincluding a venting feature for venting at a location above an upper rimof the valve housing. The venting feature may include a snorkel type ofventing system that shuts the venting system down when the liquid levelin the drain exceeds above a predetermined level. This type of valve mayinclude any different type of valve members to allow flow toward thedrain direction but and to prevent flow or gas flow in an oppositedirection. Such valve members for example include skirt valves orduckbill valves. A device may be provided to selectively shut off theventing feature.

In one example embodiment, a drain valve is provided including a housinghaving a wall surrounding an axis so as to define an internal flowpassage through the housing, a post within the housing, a raised strutmember depending radially inwardly from the wall toward the post, one ormore valve members coupled to the post, each valve member contacting acorresponding valve seat on the housing wall, wherein the raised strutis angled relative to the axis such that at least a portion of theraised strut extends above the housing wall. In another exampleembodiment, the wall comprises a peripheral rim and the raised strutprotrudes beyond the peripheral rim in the direction of the axis. In yetanother example embodiment, the peripheral rim defines an end of thehousing and the internal flow passage. In a further example embodiment,a majority of the raised strut is outside of the internal flow passage.In yet a further example embodiment, the raised strut is obliquelyangled relative to the axis. In one example embodiment, the raised strutis curved along its longitudinal axis. In another example embodiment,the raised strut terminates at a free end at or adjacent the axis. Inyet another example embodiment, the raised strut includes an engagementformation for engagement with the post. In a further example embodiment,the engagement formation includes a releasable engagement formationarranged to cooperate with a corresponding formation on the post. In yeta further example embodiment, the post is suspended from the raisedstrut. In one example embodiment, the drain valve also includes aperforated cover member having a plurality of perforations, the covermember arranged to cover an end of the internal flow passage. In anotherexample embodiment, the cover member includes a cut-out to accommodatethe raised strut therein. In yet another example embodiment, the covermember protrudes beyond a peripheral rim of the wall structure. In afurther example embodiment, the cover member is domed shaped. In yet afurther example embodiment, the wall includes first and second coaxialsections connected together, wherein the first section includes a firstvalve seat and the second section includes a second valve seat.

In another example embodiment, a drain valve is provided including adrain housing having a wall defining an internal flow passage throughthe housing, and a post supporting a plurality of valve members, thepost being held within the flow passage such that the one or more valvemember contacts a valve seat on the housing wall, wherein the post isselectively configurable to accommodate the plurality of valve memberswithin the housing. In yet another example embodiment, the post includesa first engagement formation at one end thereof for mounting the post inthe flow passage and a further engagement formation at an opposing endthereof for attachment to a further post. In a further exampleembodiment, the at least one of the plurality of valve members ismounted to the post in between the first and second engagementformations. In yet a further example embodiment, a further post isattached to the further engagement formation, the further post havinganother valve member of the plurality of valve members mounted thereon.In one example embodiment, the post and further post are coaxiallyconnected together such at least one valve member and the another valvemember are spaced along a common axis. In another example embodiment,each of the plurality of valve members includes a flexible materialsurrounding at least one of the post and further post. In yet anotherexample embodiment, at least one of the plurality of valve members isfused to one of the post and further post. In a further exampleembodiment, at least one of the plurality of valve members is integrallyformed with one of the post and further post. In yet a further exampleembodiment, the housing wall includes a first portion having one or moreengagement formations at a peripheral end thereof for selectiveattachment of a second housing wall portion thereto. In one exampleembodiment, the first housing wall portion includes a first valve seatformation and the second housing wall portion includes a second valveseat formation. In another example embodiment, each of the first andsecond housing wall portions include an internal annular surface, theinternal annular surfaces being substantially radially aligned when thehousing portions are connected, wherein the first and second valve seatformations each depend radially inwardly from the surfaces. In yetanother example embodiment, the first and second housing wall structureare connectable in an end to end arrangement about a common axis. In afurther example embodiment, the first and second housing wall portionseach include a complete annulus and wherein a peripheral rim of thefirst housing wall portion is connectable to an opposing peripheral rimof the second housing wall portion. In yet a further example embodiment,the first and second housing wall portions are connectable at aninterface and a seal gasket is attachable to an outside wall of eitheror both of the first and second portions for sealing the valve against adrain wall in use. In one example embodiment, the seal gasket includes aplurality of longitudinally spaced apart sealing flanges extendingradially therefrom for sealing the valve against the drain. In anotherexample embodiment, the post is removably attachable to the housing.

In yet another example embodiment, a drain valve assembly is providedincluding a drain cover having a plurality of flow openings therein anda valve support member mounted to the drain cover, the valve supportmember including one or more flexible valve members depending therefrom,the assembly further including a valve member housing located adjacentthe drain cover so as to define a flow passage from the flow openingsthrough the housing, the valve support member protruding into thehousing such that the one or more flexible valve members are located inthe flow passage and contact an internal surface of the housing. In afurther example embodiment, the valve support member is mounted directlyto the drain cover. In yet a further example embodiment, the housing ismounted to the drain cover. In yet a further example embodiment, thedrain cover includes a plurality of recesses arranged to receive acorresponding plurality of projections on the housing so as toreleasably affix the housing to the cover.

In one example embodiment, a drain valve housing for an open drain isprovided including a housing wall having one or more valve seats thereinfor contact with a valve member supported within the valve housing inuse, the housing including a peripheral wall and a sealing gasketlocated about the peripheral wall for contact with the interior of adrain opening, wherein the valve housing includes one or more retainingmembers arranged to depend radially outwardly of the housing so as toretain the housing within the drain opening. In another exampleembodiment, the one or more retaining members are biased outwardly ofthe valve housing. In yet another example embodiment, the one or moreretaining members are actuable between a deployed condition in which theone more retaining members depend radially outwardly of the housingperimeter and a retracted condition in which the one or more retainingmembers are within the housing perimeter. In a further exampleembodiment, the one or more retaining members are hingedly mounted tothe housing. In a further example embodiment, the one or more retainingmembers include an arm. In yet a further example embodiment, the one ormore retaining members include an elbow formation part way along itslength. In one example embodiment, the one or more retaining membersinclude a resilient barb formation.

In one example embodiment, a valve member for a drain valve is provided.The valve member including a resilient elastomeric material and having acentral shoulder collar portion for mounting the valve member in use anda peripheral skirt portion depending radially outwardly from theshoulder collar portion, the skirt portion being arranged to yield inresponse to the presence of a liquid thereon in use, wherein the skirtincludes one or more regions of weakness to promote a folding action ofthe skirt upon yielding. In another example embodiment, wherein the oneor more regions of weakness include one or more elongate grooves. In yetanother example embodiment, the one or more regions of weakness includean annular groove proximal the shoulder collar portion. In a furtherexample embodiment, wherein the one or more regions of weakness includeone or more radial grooves. In yet a further example embodiment, the oneor more regions of weakness include a plurality of areas of weaknessdepending outwardly from the shoulder collar portion, the areas beingsubstantially equally angularly spaced about the shoulder collarportion. In one example embodiment, the skirt portion tapers from athicker region towards the shoulder collar portion towards a thinnerregion towards a peripheral edge of the skirt opposite the shouldercollar. In another example embodiment, the valve member includes one ormore portions, the one or more portions being arranged to change colorover a period of valve use.

In yet a further example embodiment, a drain valve system is providedincluding a housing arranged to be located in a drain opening and one ormore non-return valves supported within the housing, wherein each of theone or more non-return valves includes a first side facing away from thedrain and a second side facing toward the drain, wherein the systemfurther includes a bypass flow passage arranged to provide a flow thatbypasses the one or more non-return valves while the one or morenon-return valves are in a closed condition, the bypass flow pathallowing venting of gas from within the drain interior to a locationexterior of the drain. In one example embodiment, the bypass flowpassage is formed within the housing. In another example embodiment, thebypass flow passage is provided within a post from which the one or morenon-return valves extend. In yet another example embodiment, the post isaligned with a central axis of the housing. In a further exampleembodiment, the drain valve system further includes a raised strut,wherein the bypass flow passage extends to the raised strut, wherein aflow through the bypass flow passage will flow through the raised strut.In yet a further example embodiment, at least a portion of the raisedstrut extends above an upper end of the housing. In one exampleembodiment, the raised strut has a hollow interior for receiving theflow through the bypass flow passage and an outlet for the venting ofthe flow to the atmosphere. In another example embodiment, the post ismounted to a drain cover member having a plurality of flow openingstherein. In yet another example embodiment, the bypass flow passage hasan outlet to atmosphere that is located above the housing. In a furtherexample embodiment, the bypass flow passage includes a valve seattherein. In yet a further example embodiment, the bypass flow passageincludes a bypass valve member therein. In one example embodiment, thebypass valve member is seated on the valve seat in normal use and isarranged to selectively permit flow through the bypass passage when apressure of a flow is sufficient to lift the bypass valve member fromthe post valve seat. In another example embodiment, the bypass valvemember is spaced from the valve seat in normal use and is arranged to belifted into contact with the valve seat when a liquid rises within thebypass flow passage. In yet another example embodiment, the bypass flowpassage includes a plurality of valve seats therein and one or morebypass valve member arranged to selectively cooperate with the valveseats. In a further example embodiment, the bypass flow passage includesan outlet opening that is elevated above a liquid flow inlet openinginto the drain valve housing. In yet a further example embodiment, thebypass flow passage includes snorkel construction. In one exampleembodiment, the system includes an actuable vent control member forselectively permitting or inhibiting flow through the bypass flowpassage. In another example embodiment, the vent control member includesa body with an internal channel arranged to allow flow there-throughwhen in a first orientation and to prevent flow there-through when in asecond orientation.

In yet another example embodiment, a drain valve is provided including ahousing defining a drain conduit for the passage of fluids to bedrained, the drain conduit having a first rim defining an inlet oppositea second rim defining an outlet, a raised strut extending from thehousing, wherein at least a portion of the raised strut extends abovethe first rim, a post coupled to the raised strut, a first skirt valveextending radially outwardly from the post and toward the second rim,and a first valve seat extending from an inner surface of the housingwherein a radially distal portion of the first skirt valve sits againstthe first valve seat. In a further example embodiment, the drain valvefurther includes a sealing annular sleeve including a plurality oflongitudinally spaced apart projections extending radially inward and aplurality of longitudinally spaced apart sealing flanges extendingradially outward, wherein the projections are received in correspondingdepressions formed on an outer surface of the housing. In yet a furtherexample embodiment, the drain valve further includes at least one clipmoveable from a first position to a second position, wherein when in thefirst position the entirety of the clip does not extend radially outwardbeyond the first perimeter and wherein when in the second position atleast a portion of the clip extends radially outward beyond the firstrim. In one example embodiment, the drain valve further includes apreventer for resisting movement of the clip from the second position tothe first position. In another example embodiment, the post is hollowdefining a first conduit, wherein at least a portion of the raised strutis hollow defining a second conduit, wherein a strut outlet is formed onthe strut, wherein the first conduit is in communication with the secondconduit, wherein a flow path is defined along the first conduit and thesecond conduit extending to the raised strut outlet, such that a flowthrough the first conduit flows through the second conduit and exits theraised strut through the strut outlet. In yet another exampleembodiment, the drain valve further includes a vent control member alongthe flow path upstream of the outlet for selectively blocking flow tothe raised strut outlet. In a further example embodiment, the postextends along a longitudinal axis of the housing, wherein the postengages the raised strut along the axis, and wherein the vent controlmember is located along the longitudinal axis. In yet a further exampleembodiment, the drain valve further includes a drain cover over housingand the post. In one example embodiment, the drain valve furtherincludes a further hollow post defining a third conduit in communicationwith the first and second conduits, the further post including an outletextending above the post and raised strut. In another exampleembodiment, the further post extends coaxially above the post. In yetanother example embodiment, the drain valve further includes a firstfloat valve member in the first conduit, wherein a first float valveseat is defined in the first conduit, and wherein when the first floatvalve member sits on the first float valve seat it blocks flow throughthe first conduit. In a further example embodiment, the drain valvefurther includes a second float valve member in the first conduit,wherein a second float valve seat is defined in the first conduit, andwherein when the second float valve member sits on the second floatvalve seat it blocks flow through the first conduit. In yet a furtherexample embodiment, the drain valve also includes a second skirt valveextending radially outwardly from the post and toward the second rim,the second skirt valve being longitudinally spaced apart from the firstskirt valve, and a second valve seat extending from an inner surface ofthe housing wherein a radially distal portion of the second skirt valvesits against the second valve seat. In one example embodiment, thesecond skirt valve has the same diameter and the same geometry and thefirst skirt valve. In yet another example embodiment, the drain valvefurther includes at least one barb extending outward from the housing.In a further example embodiment, the at least one barb includes a firstportion extending outward of the housing from the second rim in adirection toward the first rim and a second portion extending from thefirst portion and in a direction radially outward and toward the firstrim. In yet a further example embodiment, the post includes a firstportion and a second portion separate from the first portion and coupledto the first portion and wherein the housing includes a first portionand a second portion separate from the housing first portion coupled tothe housing first portion, wherein the first skirt valve extends fromthe first post portion and wherein the first valve seat is formed on aninner surface of the first housing portion, and wherein the valveincludes a second skirt valve extending from the post second portion anda second valve seat formed on an inner surface of the housing secondportion, wherein a distal portion of the second skirt valve sits on thesecond valve seat. In one example embodiment, the second skirt valve hasthe same diameter and the same geometry and the first skirt valve. Inanother example embodiment, at least one of the skirt valve, the post,or the housing includes a material that glows in the dark. In yetanother example embodiment, at least a portion of the skirt valvechanges color to a color indicating that the valve has to be serviced orreplaced. In a further example embodiment, the drain valve furtherincludes a chip mounted on the drain valve for providing informationabout the valve when interrogated. In yet a further example embodiment,at least a portion of the first skirt valve is coated with a hydrophobiccoating. In another example embodiment, wherein the post is threadedinto the strut.

In one example embodiment, a drain valve is provided including a housingdefining a drain conduit for the passage of fluids to be drained, thedrain conduit having a first rim defining an inlet opposite a second rimdefining an outlet, and a vent conduit extending within the drainconduit and to a location external of the housing in a directionopposite of the second rim, wherein a vent conduit outlet is defined ina location external of the housing. In another example embodiment, thedrain valve further includes a sealing annular sleeve including aplurality of longitudinally spaced apart projections extending radiallyinward and a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart sealing flangesextending radially outward, wherein the projections are received incorresponding depressions formed on an outer surface of the housing. Inyet another example embodiment, the drain valve also includes at leastone clip moveable from a first position to a second position, whereinwhen in the first position the entirety of the clip does not extendradially outward beyond the first perimeter and wherein when in thesecond position at least a portion of the clip extends radially outwardbeyond the first rim. In a further example embodiment, the drain valvefurther includes a preventer for resisting movement of the clip from thesecond position to the first position. In yet a further exampleembodiment, the drain valve also includes a vent control member alongthe vent conduit for selectively blocking flow to the outlet of the ventconduit outlet. In yet a further example embodiment, the drain conduitincludes a first longitudinal portion and a second portion extendingtransversely over the first longitudinal portion and over the first rim,wherein the vent conduit outlet is formed on the second portion. In oneexample embodiment, the drain valve further includes a drain cover overhousing and the vent conduit. In another example embodiment, the drainvalve also includes a duckbill valve within the housing. In yet anotherexample embodiment, the drain valve further includes a hollow postdefining another vent conduit, the hollow post being mounted onto andabove the vent conduit. In a further example embodiment, the drain valvealso includes a first float valve member is the vent conduit, wherein afirst float valve seat is defined in the vent conduit, and wherein whenthe first float valve member sits on the first float valve seat itblocks flow through the vent conduit. In yet a further exampleembodiment, the drain valve further includes a second float valve memberis the vent conduit, wherein a second float valve seat is defined in thevent conduit, and wherein when the second float valve member sits on thevent float valve seat it blocks flow through the vent conduit. In oneexample embodiment, the drain valve also includes at least one barbextending outward from the housing. In another example embodiment, theat least one barb includes a first portion extending outward of thehousing from the second rim in a direction toward the first rim and asecond portion extending from the first portion and in a directionradially outward and toward the first rim. In yet another exampleembodiment, wherein the housing includes a material that glows in thedark. In a further example embodiment, the drain valve further includesa chip mounted on the drain valve for providing information about thevalve when interrogated. In yet a further example embodiment, at least aportion of the first skirt valve is coated with a hydrophobic coating.In another example embodiment, the post is threaded into the raisedstrut.

Wherever practicable, any of the features defined in relation to any oneexample embodiment may be applied to other example embodiments.Accordingly, embodiments may include various alternative configurationsof the features defined above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of embodiments of the presentdisclosure will become more apparent by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in conjunction with the followingdrawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals are used throughoutthe figures to reference like features and components. The figures arenot necessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 shows a section view through a valve member which may be used indrain valves according to the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a three-dimensional view of the valve member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a three-dimensional view of an alternative valve member foruse in a drain valve according to the invention.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show respective plan and section views of a furtherexample of a valve member for use in a drain valve according to theinvention.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show respective section and plan views of another exampleof a valve member for use in a drain valve according to the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment drainvalve.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a partial example embodimentdrain valve.

FIGS. 10a-c show section view through different possible housing wallconfigurations.

FIGS. 11a-11d show respective exploded, section, side and plan views ofdrain valve assemblies according to examples of the invention.

FIG. 12 shows an exploded three-dimensional view of a further example ofa drain valve assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows a cross section view through a further drain valvehousing.

FIG. 14 shows a partial section view of a retaining clip for a drainvalve housing.

FIG. 15 shows a cross section view through an example of a drain valveventing system.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective exploded view of a further drain valveventing system.

FIG. 17 shows a section view through a valve member support for use inventing floor or urinal drain valves.

FIG. 18a shows a cross section perspective view of an example embodimentdrain valve.

FIG. 18b shows top cross-sectional views of example embodiment ventcontrol members showing various channels.

FIG. 18c is a perspective view of the example embodiment drain valveshown in FIG. 18 a.

FIG. 19a is a partial cross-sectional view of a vent post according toan example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19b is a perspective view of an example embodiment drain valveincorporating the example embodiment venting post shown in FIG. 19 a.

FIG. 20 is perspective view of an example embodiment valve including anexample embodiment perforated cover.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an example embodiment drain valveincluding an oversized perforated cover.

FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another exampleembodiment valve including a duckbill.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following description sets out in different sections the differentstructural components and functions for a number of high flow and/orpressure venting gravity drain valve arrangements. Since the presentdisclosure comprises numerous developments over existing drain valves,it will be understood that different combinations of structuralcomponents and features from the different sections of this disclosuremay be combined in ways other than those shown explicitly in theaccompanying figures. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to bedefined by the accompanying claims and may accommodate any suchcombinations of features wherever practicable, whether or not aparticular combination is explicitly disclosed herein. It is to beunderstood by the reader that features of smaller diameter drain valves,such as for urinals, sinks, baths and the like may be applied to largerdrain valves, such as floor/ground drain valves, and vice-versa,wherever beneficial.

Valve Member

The drain valves to be described herein may comprise a single valvemember or a plurality of valve members depending on the specificrequirements of the drain to be accommodated. In some, but not allaspects of the invention, the, or each, valve member comprises aresiliently deformable material, which is actuable under application ofa volume of liquid thereto, and which returns to its at-rest orundeformed condition upon removal/run-off of the liquid therefrom. Adeformable portion of the valve member, or the valve member as a whole,may be formed of a suitably compliant material, such as an elastomer orother suitably inert elastomeric polymer. The specific examplesdescribed herein comprise a silicone rubber valve member.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the basic structure of an example embodiment valvemember 10 that is generally of the form of a skirt valve or umbrellavalve. The valve member 10 is a membrane valve that is circular in planand has a central opening 12 arranged to receive a mounting post in use.The material of the valve member 10 is thickened in a shoulder region ofthe opening 12 so as to define a supportive central mounting section 14,e.g. a shoulder collar formation. A skirt portion or skirt 16 dependsradially outwardly from the central section 14 towards the outerperipheral edge 18. The skirt is a membrane that surrounds the centralsection 14 such that the peripheral edge is concentric with the centralopening. Thus, this valve is also referred to herein for illustrativepurposes as a “skirt valve”.

The skirt 16 is obliquely angled so as to define a frusto-conical valvemember profile. The angle of the skirt away from a flat form ispreferably in the region of 20° to 50° and more preferably in the region25° to 33° or 40°. In this particular example the angle is approximately30°, although it will be appreciated by the skilled person that indifferent examples, the valve member will be sized and shaped to fit therequired dimensions of a particular drain opening or associated valvehousing.

The wall thickness of the skirt generally tapers from its thickest,close to the central section 14, towards the outer edge 18. The wallthickness may be a minimum at or adjacent the outer edge 18, or else inone of the ‘reduced-thickness’ regions to be described below.

In FIG. 3 the valve member 10 may in other example embodimentsadditionally comprise one or more portions 20 that are of a differentcolor to the remainder of the skirt 16. The portion 20 provides ausage/life indicator for the valve member 10. In this example, theindicator portion 20 is comprises a radial strip, a plurality of whichmay be provided at angled spacing about the skirt 16. In other examples,the indicator portion may cover substantially the entirety of the skirt16 or another region to that shown in FIG. 3.

The indicator portion 20 is configured to degrade or react in use so asto cause a noticeable color change. Various options for such anindicator portion are available, including an erodible/dissolvablecoating which disappears over time or a coating material which erodes toreveal a different color material beneath. Alternatively, the indicatorportion may react with a relevant liquid, such as urine, or else overtime so as to cause an irreversible color change.

In another example, whether or not the indicator portion 20 isdegradable, the indicator portion 20 could comprise a light-emitting,e.g. luminescent, material. The light-emitting material may absorb lightenergy when irradiated/illuminated such that it can be seen to glow byan observer when the ambient light level is lower. The material could bea polymer having one or more active, light-emitting ingredient. Achemically/biologically inert material may be used, such as, for exampleStrontium Aluminate. The indicator portion 20 may be a different colorfrom the remainder of the valve such that it is clearly visible in litconditions also. In one example, the indicator portion 20 is degradableas an indicator of the functional life of the valve. The luminescence ofthe indicator portion 20 may degrade over time or use.

In use, when a small volume of liquid is trapped on the upper surface ofthe valve member 10, the skirt will flex away from the shape shown inFIGS. 1-3 in the direction of arrows as shown in FIG. 1. The shape ofthe skirt allows liquid to run over the peripheral edge 18. Theshape/taper of the valve skirt is important in ensuring the skirtreturns to its at-rest condition when not acted upon by external forces.However, this also typically causes greatest flexing of the skirttowards its peripheral edge 18, thereby causing a flow obstructiontowards the central section 14, where the skirt is less readilydeformed.

FIGS. 4-7 show further developments of the valve member 10 to encourageflexing of the skirt in a manner that is beneficial to operation of thevalve member in use. With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, one or more regionof reduced wall thickness is provided to encourage flexing of the skirt16 in a desired manner when liquid is applied thereto. A plurality ofannular indentations/grooves 22 are provided in the skirt portion 16,typically on its underside. The annular grooves 22 are concentric withthe central opening 12 and located relatively close to, or adjacent thecentral section 14 (i.e. at least radially closer to the central opening12 than the peripheral edge 18).

The use of one or more annular grooves 22 of the kind shown in FIGS. 4and 5 encourages flexing of the skirt closer to the central section 14,thereby potentially reducing the magnitude of the force required todeform the valve member and thereby open the valve to increase flow. Thereduced resistance to flexing near to the central section may also allowincreased flexing of the valve for an applied force, thereby increasingthe available flow area for liquid passing through the valve.

While three annular grooves 22 are shown, it is envisaged that a singlegroove may be provided in alternative examples or else two or moregrooves, depending on valve size and the required deformation behaviorof the valve member. The, or each, groove 22 may define a complete orpartial annulus about the central opening as necessary.

Also shown in FIG. 4 are further regions of weakness 24. These regions24 extend in a generally radial direction from a location proximal thecentral section 12. The regions of weakness are formed as regions ofreduced wall thickness in the skirt 16, typically on its underside. Inthis example the regions of weakness 24 are generally wedge shaped ortriangular in plan view. Two regions 24 are provided on either side ofthe central opening 12, although three or four or more regions could beprovided in other examples.

The radial regions of weakness 24 encourage a predetermined foldingaction of the valve member 10 upon flexing. Such a folding action maybeneficially reduce the force required to open the valve and/or increasethe maximum available flow area in the valve when open.

In FIGS. 6 and 7 an alternative arrangement of regions of weakness inthe skirt 16 are shown. In this example four or more radially extendingregions of weakness 26 are provided to encourage multiple folding of thevalve member upon application of a head of liquid to the upper surfacethereof.

The weakened regions comprise a first set of radial strips 26A equallyspaced about the central opening 12. The weakened regions also comprisea second set of radially extending formations 26B located between thestrips 26A of the first set. The formations 26B in this example arewider and may be curved in profile than the strips 26A. The formations26B also coalesce towards the central section 14 so as to form a commonweakened portion in the skirt surrounding or adjacent the centralsection. The folding action caused by the weakened sections of the valvemember in this example is therefore akin to an umbrella being closed.That is to say the valve member 10 in this example will generally flexdownwardly towards the central section 14, whilst simultaneously foldingin opposing directions at each of the adjacent weakened sections 26A and26B.

It will be appreciated, that whilst it may be advantageous to provideany lines/regions of weakness on the underside of the valve such thatthose features are not generally fluid washed in use by liquid flowingdown the drain, it is additionally or alternatively possible to provideany or any combination of such features on the upper side of the valvemember.

Whilst the above examples of skirt valves are provided as being wellsuited to an arrangement in which the valve member is intended to bemounted on a central post, it will be appreciated that alternative formsof valve member, such as hinged door/flapper valves or duckbill/sheathvalves may be substituted for the above described skirt valves in theevent that it is intended to use an alternative valve mountingconfiguration in conjunction with other venting and/or valve housingfeatures disclosed herein. In any examples, the valve features may beformed by the corresponding shape of the mold in an injection, or other,molding tool.

In any examples of the invention, the valve members disclosed herein mayact as non-return or one-way valves in use. The valves may allow passageof liquid into the drain but may inhibit or control the flow of gases ina return direction. The valves disclosed herein may act as high flowvalves for gravity-fed drain openings.

Valve Member Mounting

Turning now to FIG. 8, there is shown a section view through a drainvalve 28 comprising a valve support in the form of a central post 30.The post 30 is formed of a more rigid polymer material than the valvemembers 10 a and 10 b and may comprise a recess 32 arranged to receivethe central portion of each valve member at one or more predeterminedlocation along its length. In this example, two recesses 32 are providedat spaced locations along the post so as to allow mounting of the twovalve members 10 a and 10 b at spaced locations along a common axis 46.

The valve members 10 a and 10 b are generally as described above, savethat they each comprise a circumferential recess or groove 34immediately adjacent the central portion of the valve member toencourage flexing of the valve skirt in use.

Each valve member forms a shoulder collar 33 with skirt 35 surroundingthe central post 30 in use. The shoulder collar 33 of each valve memberis fitted into a corresponding recess 32 formed on the post. Theshoulder collars are annular and elastic such that they can be stretchfitted over the post and recesses and then snap back into the recessesas for example shown in FIG. 8. As can be seen in FIG. 8 each shouldercollar has a cross-sectional shape that is complementary to thecross-sectional shape of its corresponding recess.

While a dual valve arrangement of the type shown in FIG. 8 has beenfound to be beneficial in a number of applications, particularly wherethere is higher return gas flow from the drain, the inventor has alsorealized that a single valve arrangement may be adequate for otherapplications. Accordingly, the valve mounting of FIG. 8 comprises amodular construction that can be adapted for either single or dual valvemember mounting.

In this example, the post 30 comprises two adjacent post portions 30 aand 30 b that can be attached together as required. Each post portion isshaped to receive at least one valve member 10.

Post portions 30 a and 30 b comprise opposing engagement formations soas to allow the post portions to be attached together at interface 31,typically in an axial manner, so as to form a single post construction.The engagement formations may comprise, for example, a screw thread,bayonet or twist-lock fitting, a friction fit, or an interference,push-fit or snap-fit connection. Additionally, or alternatively, anadhesive, such as glue, may be provided at the interface between the twopost portions.

The post portions may have a common central internal passage for reasonsto be described below, such that their internal passages are alignedupon connection of the post portions together.

The post 30, or upper post portion 30 a, comprises an attachmentformation 37 for affixing the post to a drain valve support structure orhousing as will be described below. In this example, the attachmentformation is a screw thread, although in other examples any of theabove-mentioned engagement formations could be used. In an example wherea plurality of post portions is provided, the engagement formationsbetween adjacent post portions could match the attachment formation forattachment to the valve housing or support structure. Thus a modularpost system can be provided in which a common post portion design can beused to construct a post of the length sufficient to accommodate adesired number of valve members 10. In the example embodiment shown inFIG. 8, the attachment formation 37 of portion 30 a is a threadedprojection or male portion threaded into a threaded recess or femaleportion 41 of a strut 58. The post portion 30 a may also have a threadedrecess or female portion 41 at an end opposite the male portion toaccept the threaded male portion 37 of the post portion 30 b (FIGS. 8and 11 b).

While a single, unitary post construction may be provided in otherexamples of drain valve, the modular construction described above isadvantageous in providing a single design that can accommodate a varietyof different applications. This can significantly reduce productioncosts by requiring a single post portion mold. Also it removes the needto stock multiple different products by retailers/installers fordifferent instances of use. If a greater distance between valve membersis preferred, an intermediate post portion could be provided within thefinal post assembly. Any reference to a ‘post’ herein-below may comprisea single post portion or a plurality of post portions.

The valve members may be produced separately from the post and may bemounted thereon in order to assemble the mounted valve assembly.However, in other examples, one or more valve member 10 may be formedonto, or co-formed with, the post 30, or associated post portion 30 a,30 b. A two or more stage molding process may be used to this end. Forexample, a post portion and valve may be formed within a commoninjection molding cavity, whereby a first polymer material is injectedinto the mold to form the post, followed by a second, softer material toform the valve member onto the post material. Alternatively, a transfermolding technique may be used, wherein the post is formed and thentransferred to another mold, in which the valve member material isprovided to form the skirt valve around the post.

The forming of the valve and post construction in the above describedmanner avoids a later assembly step in the manufacture process andprovides a good bond/fusion between the valve and post so as to ensurethe valve member will remain correctly aligned for use. If combined withthe modular post construction described above, then a highly modularsystem is provided in which valves are simple to construct, install andreplace. In any example of the invention, the valve mounting and/orvalve housing may be recyclable.

A further feature of the valve mounting arrangement 28 of FIG. 8 is thatthe skirt valves 10 a and 10 b are each of substantially the samediameter (i.e., the same size) and may be of a common design, i.e., theyalso have the same geometry. In contrast, FIG. 9 shows a dual skirtvalve arrangement 36, in which the skirt valves are of differentdiameter such that an upper skirt valve 10 c is of smaller diameter thanthe second skirt valve 10 d. Such different skirt diameters allowcorrect assembly and seating of the dual valves within a common housing.Thus the valve seating arrangements in FIG. 9 comprise stepped surfaces38 at differing radii for ease of manufacture and assembly. However, thecontrol of tolerances for two different valve designs and the differentresilience of each valve during operation may cause engineeringcomplexity. In an example embodiment, the valve housing 40 allows foruse of multiple valves of the same design. In other words, each valveused is identical. Thus, the same valve can be used as valve 10 a orvalve 10 b in the shown example embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows one example of such a housing 40 which surrounds the valvemounting 30. The housing has an internal wall or face 42 from which aplurality of valve seating surfaces 44 a, 44 b project radiallyinwardly. The valve seating surfaces 44 a, 44 b are generally annular inform and depend a short distance radially inwardly from thecircumferential wall 42. The valve seating surfaces thus take the formof ridges or rims. The seating surfaces 44 a, 44 b of each ridge whichopposes the adjacent valve member 10 in use is preferably obliquelyangled to the wall 42. In the shown example embodiment, each seatingsurface is obliquely angled radially inward and upward from the wall 42.The angle of each valve seating surfaces 44 a, 44 b may correspond tothe angle of inclination of the valve member skirt (e.g. relative tohorizontal or a central axis 46 of the valve assembly).

Unlike the arrangement of FIG. 9, the seating surfaces 44 a and 44 b inFIG. 8 may each depend radially inwardly from a wall 42 at a commonradial distance from the axis 46. In this regard, identical valves maybe used to seat against each of the seating surfaces 44 a, 44 b.

When mounting the post 30 within the valve housing 40, the post may bepulled through the housing such that the upper valve member 10 a ridesover the lower surface 44 b and into contact with the surface 44 a, suchthat the lower valve member 10 b can be brought into contact withsurface 44 b. The valve seating surfaces 44 a and 44 b may be spacedaccording to the valve member spacing on the post 30. The valve surfacesthus resist movement of the valve members in an upward direction asshown in FIG. 8 in use. This provides a significant resistance to fluidpressure within the drain and can thus prevent escape of odorous gas, aswell as backflow of liquid.

It is important to the function of the housing in FIG. 8 that theprojection on which the surface 44 b is provided has a further surface48 b which is angled away from axis 46, i.e. which slopes or extends atan oblique or perpendicular angle to axis 46, back towards inner wallsurface 42. This form of projection thus leaves a void above valvemember 10 b of size sufficient to allow actuation of upper valve member10 a in use. As an alternative to the surface 48 b shown in FIG. 8, theangle of the surface 48 b away from axis 46 could be less pronounced,for example such that the surface 48 b terminates the outer edge of theabove valve seating face 44 a.

The forming of a ridge or ledge, i.e. an overhang, as shown in FIG. 8within an injection molded product could be achieved by forming thehousing of two half portions, which mate together to form the fullcircumference. Additionally, or alternatively, the housing may be formedin a modular fashion to accommodate either one or two, or possibly more,valve members. In this regard a plurality of adjoining circumferentialhousing portions may be provided, which may be connected together tomodify the housing structure according to the number of valve members tobe accommodated.

FIGS. 10a-c show different examples of a joint between lower 40 a andupper 40 b housing portions to accommodate such a modular constructionin which the first valve seating surface 44 a is provided on afirst/upper housing portion 40 a and the second valve seating surface 44b is provided on a second/lower housing portion 40 b. It is proposedthat the housing may take the form of the first housing portion 40 a ifonly one valve member 10 is required. The second housing portion 40 b isprovided as an optional addition to the housing 40 a if a second valvemember is also to be used.

The first and second housing portions meet at opposingperipheral/circumferential edges. In FIG. 10a , the housing portionscomprise opposing interference-fit features. In this particular example,curved interference surfaces are provided such that a projecting portionof one engagement feature can be deformed and ride into a recessesregion of the opposing engagement features so as hold the two housingportions together. Such a coupling allows the housing portions to belater detached if required. In other examples, a projection and slotarrangement may be provided or a twist-lock or threaded engagement asrequired.

FIGS. 10a and 10c show examples in which the housing is intended to fitclosely within a cylindrical pipe, such that the housing portions matetogether at interface 52 to form a cylindrical outer wall. However, inFIG. 10b the first housing portion 40 a is profiled so as to provide alarger diameter upper opening/mouth of the housing. The arrangement of10 b may be suited for example to larger diameter drain openings, suchas in ground drains.

In the example of FIG. 10a , each housing portion comprises anindividual seal member 50 mounted to an outside surface thereof. In FIG.10c , a common seal member 54 is provided in the form of a cuff orshoulder collar, which fits closely around the housing and spans theinterface 52 between the housing portions. The seal member 54 mayprovide a sealing gasket. The seal member 54 is an annular member andincludes a plurality of spaced apart internal projections 54 a that arereceived in complementary depressions 41. The seal member 54 alsoincludes annular spaced apart sealing flanges 54 b extending radiallyexternally and opposite the internal projections. The seal member isstretch fitted over the housing such that the projections are fitted inthe complementary depressions.

The valve housing may be customizable in a manner similar to that of thepost 30 so as to provide a wholly modular drain valve system.

FIG. 9 shows another example in which a modular system is used butwithout requiring the valve members to be of common design. In such anexample, the post may still be formed of a plurality of post portionsand the housing may be formed of a plurality of housing portions. Therelevant interfaces 31 and 52 are marked on FIG. 9 by way of example.

As can be seen in one example embodiment, each post portion accommodatesone skirt valve and each housing portion forms a seat for such skirtvalve. Thus, if two skirt valves are desired, two post portions areconnected together, as for example by threading one portion into theother, as well as two housing portions. In other example embodiments,each post portion accommodates multiple skirt valves and each housingportion defines a seat for each of such multiple skirt valves. Infurther example embodiments, each skirt valve is integrally formed onits corresponding post.

While the above examples concern specific valve and mountingarrangements, an examples of the overall valve assembly in which suchfeatures may be used are shown in FIG. 11 onwards and described below.

Valve Housing and Support Structure

The examples of FIGS. 11a-d concern a relatively small diameterconstruction, for example in the region of 3-6 cm (approx. 1-2 inches)in diameter. However, the construction is not limited to such a scaleand the diameter thereof may be increased to suit wider drainapplications.

In FIGS. 11a to c , there is shown a generally tubular housing 56configured to hold the valve members in use within a drain pipe. Thehousing 56 comprises a generally hollow interior into which thevalve-and-post assembly described above can be inserted such that theone or more valve member 10 contacts a corresponding one or more valveseating surface on the interior face of the housing 56. The housing isformed by two housing portions (i.e., an upper portion 40 a and a lowerportion 40 b). In alternate embodiments, the housing may be formed as asingle portion. In another example embodiment, the housing may have morethan two portions.

The housing 56 upper portion comprises a single strut/spoke 58 dependingradially inwardly from the peripheral housing wall. The strut 58terminates at a central portion 60 at which there is provided aconnector formation for attachment to the post 30. The post in this is atwo-piece post having portions 30 a and 30 b. The connector formation at60 may comprise any of the engagement means described herein and mayprovide either a detachable or non-reversible connection with the postonce assembled. In one example embodiment, the connection may be athreaded connection. In another example embodiment, it may be a bayonettype connection. The connection, as for example the threaded connection,receives the male portion (e.g., the threaded male portion 37) of thepost portion 30 a.

The strut 58 in this example is not perpendicular to the central axis 46but is obliquely angled such that the central portion 60 is raisedrelative to the radially outer portion of the strut 58. The strutdepends from an upper wall portion of the housing 56 upper portion 40 asuch that the central section is raised above the upper opening or mouth62 of the housing 56 in use. For illustration purposes, the strut isreferred to herein as a “raised strut”.

Such a strut arrangement has been found to be beneficial in increasingthe maximum available flow area at the opening 62 of the housing. Theuse of a single raised strut reduces the likelihood of debris beingsnagged on the strut in use, compared to the use of a plurality ofspokes, typically three, in the prior art. Furthermore, the raising ofthe strut removes at least a proportion of the material mass of theraised strut from the internal volume of the housing 56. Thus liquidflowing into the housing in use is presented with maximal flow area andthus minimal flow obstruction. This kind of raised strut arrangementthus differs from conventional arrangements in which struts arecontained within and inside the housing, below the upper extremity ofthe housing wall and/or housing inlet opening/mouth.

The raised strut support arrangement thus provides low flow resistanceand reduces the likelihood of clogging over time, thereby potentiallyincreasing the life of the product and/or reducing the frequency withwhich the valve may require cleaning or unblocking. Somewhatcounter-intuitively the inventor has found that, although a drain valveof the kind disclosed herein allows a valve to be flushed less often forsanitation, if the maximum flow rate through the valve is increased,then each flush can offer a potentially more effective cleaning action.Thus the valve constructions described herein comprise features toincrease the flow rate achievable through the valve in a beneficialmanner, for example so as to be closer to that of an open drain. Theincreased flow rate of liquid through the valve may additionally oralternatively be beneficial to ground/floor drains which mayintermittently need to pass larger volumes of water as quickly aspossible in response to flooding or the like. The raised profile of theone or more strut, as well as increasing the available flow rate at theopening to the housing, can also increase the internal volume of thehousing, thereby increasing maximum possible flow rate into and throughthe valve housing flow passage. Also the open flow area helps ensurethat water used to clean the urinal can flow down the drain at asuitable rate, and reduces the likelihood that liquid is retained in aurinal or the like, which could potentially result in overflow over therim.

The use of a single raised strut is also counter-intuitive since itrequires strengthening of the raised strut relative to use of aplurality of weaker struts. Whilst a single strut is in many wayspreferred, it is also possible to use a plurality of raised struts, eachof which is obliquely angled towards a common, raised central portion,so as to reduce any flow obstruction within the interior volume of thehousing. Flow obstruction and debris retention is particularlyproblematic, when one considers that all manner of articles can bediscarded down a fluid drain, including chewing gum, coins, tooth picks,cigarette butts, hair, cloth fibers, matches, hair grips, tissue and thelike.

A cover member 64 is provided over the open end 62 of the housing. Thecover member may be domed in form as shown in FIG. 11a so as toaccommodate the raised strut 58. Thus the strut 58 protrudes upwardlyinto the interior volume within the dome in use. The cover member 64 isa guard or screen member with suitable flow openings therein and servesto prevent entry of larger, unwanted articles into the housing.

The raised strut 58 in FIGS. 11a and 11b takes the form of a straightarm. However, in FIGS. 11c and 11d a further development is shown inwhich a curved raised strut 59 is used. The curved raised strut 59allows an even greater volume of the strut material mass to be removedfrom the internal volume of the housing 56. At its radially outermost,the angle formed between the curved raised strut 59 and the central axis46 is minimal, whereas towards the center, the angle subtended betweenthe raised strut and the axis 46 is close to, or approximately equal to,90°.

The cover/guard 64 in any example of a raised strut may be shaped so asto receive one or more strut therein. This is particularly useful in theexample of the raised strut 59 in FIGS. 11c and d such that the angle ofthe raised strut is not limited by the profile of the cover and mayprotrude above the cover. The cover may thus comprise one or morecut-outs 71 or window through which the one or more raised strut canprotrude. The cut-out 71 may be shaped according to the profile of theraised strut 58 so as to closely surround the strut. The raised strutmay comprise a ridge or projection (not shown) on either of both sidesthereof to support/locate the cover.

The cover may be received inside the housing 56, e.g., in the example ofFIG. 11a-d or else may surround the outer wall of the housing.

A sleeve of resilient material 73 is provided, such as a silicone rubberor other suitable elastomeric material that is resistant to degradation.The sleeve is retained on the outer surface of the housing 56 by one ormore grooves or ridges 69 of the type described above in relation toFIG. 11b . The sleeve included one or more projections that are receivedin the grooves 69. The sleeve comprises a collar portion which surroundsthe housing 56 and a plurality of peripheral sealing flanges 74 spacedin an axial direction, which depend outwardly from the collar. Thesleeve may provide a sealing gasket formation.

The plurality of sealing flanges 74 are important in securing thehousing within the urinal fixture drain pipe or floor drain housing.Thus, two flanges or more provide a benefit over a single flange whichwould permit some degree of misalignment of the housing in the drainpipe, particularly if product tolerance means that the housing 56 is nota tight fit. However, three or more spaced flanges 73 of various sizes(e.g., diameters) provide greater assurance of fitment and may bepreferred in some examples of use.

Returning to FIG. 9, there is shown a further example of a sealingsleeve arrangement provided around a housing of larger diameter of thekind that may be suitable for use as a floor drain. It can be seen thatthe outer peripheral wall of the housing comprises a plurality ofprojecting annular ridges 51 a which are arranged to cooperate with aplurality of corresponding annular grooves 51 b within the seal collar.Such features serve to hold the sealing sleeve in place on the housingof FIG. 9 also. The sleeve is stretch fitted over the housing such thatthe annular ridges 51 a are received in corresponding annular grooves 51b. While co-operating ridges and grooves are described as a particularexample herein, there is also the possibility that other forms ofsurface texturing/profiling of the housing outer surface could be usedor else the provision of an adhesive at the interface between thehousing and sleeve.

In any example, it is envisaged that a plurality of spaced seals can beprovided at spaced locations in the axial direction either by provisionof a common collar arrangement that extends in the axial direction orelse by provision of a plurality of individual seals, such as simpleO-rings or the like, each of which is retained in a groove of the likeon the housing body.

In FIGS. 11a and 11 c, there is also shown an additionalretaining/alignment member in the form of one or more barb 76 providedat the lower end of the housing. The barb takes the form of a metal orplastic member that is retained against the housing and comprises anoutwardly sloping or obliquely angled portion 78 extending from agenerally vertical portion 79. The angled portion extends upwardly at apreferred angle of 115° degree, however other angles are contemplated,i.e., towards the upper end or opening 62 of the housing and radiallyoutward. The orientation of the angled barb end 76 readily allows thebarb to flex upon insertion of the housing 56 into a drain pipe or outerhousing. Once inserted the barb typically retains its deflected state,pressed against the opposing drain pipe/housing inner surface. However,the barb does not so freely permit retraction of the housing do tovandalism since the direction of the force applied to remove the housingopposes the barb and causes the barb to at least partially dig into theopposing surface. Barbs of this kind can thus resiliently hold thehousing in its intended location but can generally be overcome by asuitable force with a special tool without significant damage to thesurrounding drain pipe/housing.

The use of a plurality of barbs 76, such as three or more barbs as shownin FIG. 11c , spaced about the perimeter of the housing also provide afurther alignment feature by deflecting the housing away from theadjacent internal wall of the surrounding pipe/housing.

The barb 76 may comprise a strip of metal which is bent to shape. Oneend of the barb may be retained within the material of the housing 56 orwithin a specifically shaped recess therein, with the other end of thebarb being free to deflect as described above. The angled portion 78 ofthe barb, i.e. the barb end, may be tapered towards its free end, whichmay be pointed or rounded as required. In another example embodiment,the barb 76 may be formed integrally with the housing.

In FIGS. 11c-d , the housing 56 also comprises a rim or flange feature80 protruding radially about its upper end. This ensures that thehousing cannot slip down a drain pipe opening beyond its intended depthand may also provide a close flush fitment with the drain opening.

In example embodiments, the valve shown in FIGS. 11a to 11d may beinserted into a housing such as a threaded housing, which may then bethreaded into the drain. Alternatively, the drain valve shown in FIGS.11a to 11d may be directly inserted into a drain.

Turning now to FIG. 12, there is shown an example of a combination drainand valve housing assembly 82 to accommodate a different type of drain,typically a drain of larger diameter, such as a ground drain. Whilst asingle valve member arrangement is shown in this example, it will beappreciated that a dual valve arrangement could be accommodated usingany of the post and/or housing features described above.

In this example, the drain cover 84 takes the form of a grate or guardwith opening to allow flow to the drain. The cover 84 is generallyplanar in form and may be formed of metal or plastic according torequirements. The post 86 and valve member 88 are as described above, aswell as the internal features of the housing member 90 to provide thedesired seating arrangement for the valve member 88. Those features willnot be described again for conciseness.

However, in this drain assembly, the housing 90 does not comprise asupport strut for the post 86. Instead the post 86 is supported by thedrain cover 84. The cover is provided with one or more engagementformations 92, typically at its center, for attachment to one or morecorresponding engagement formations 94 on the post 86. The drain cover84 and post 86 preferably comprise opposing male and female connectorportions so as to ensure correct orientation of the post in use,typically such that the post axis is perpendicular to the cover in use.In this example, the post engagement formations 94 comprise a male endprojection which is inserted into a recess/opening defining engagementformation 92 in the cover. The engagement formations comprise screwthreads but may otherwise comprise a bayonet or twist-lock fitting, afriction fit, or an interference, push-fit or snap-fit connection.

It is preferred that a releasable engagement between the post and cover84 is achieved so as to allow removal/replacement of the post 86 duringmaintenance of the drain valve assembly 82.

The cover 84 comprises a perforated region 84 a, in which flow openingsare provided. The region 84 a surrounds the central engagement formation92 and extends in a radial direction towards the perimeter such that itspans a majority of the radial distance of the cover. Depending onstrength requirements, the perforated section may comprise solid radialstrut/arm formations extending towards the central engagement formation92. A solid perimeter or border section 84 b is annular in form andsurrounds the perforated region 84 a, so as to provide a section bywhich the cover can be mounted to the drain.

The drain cover comprises openings 95 spaced about its perimeter section84 b to allow the drain cover to be fixed in place over the drain usingconventional fasteners, such as bolts.

The drain cover also comprises one or more mounting formations formounting the valve housing 90 to the cover 84. In this example, aplurality of mounting formations 96 is provided at angular spacingsabout the cover center, typically on the underside of the cover. Inother examples, it is possible that mounting formations could be locatedwithin the material of the cover or within one or more of the flowopenings therein.

In an example embodiment, the mounting formations 96 each comprise aprojection depending from the cover. The projection takes the form of apartial wall, having a recess 98 therein. The recess 98 is slot-like,extends circumferentially and opens at one edge of the partial wall. Therecesses in each projection are aligned and face in the same direction.

The housing 90 comprises a plurality of cooperating projections in theform of lugs 100. The number of lugs 100 and the angular spacing thereofmatches that of the cover projections 96. Thus, in use the housing canbe located against the underside of the cover and twisted such that thelugs 100 each pass into and engage a corresponding recess 98 so as toreleasably lock the housing 90 onto the cover 84. Thus unlike the otherexamples above, the housing in this example is also supported in thedrain by the cover.

When attached to the cover, the upper rim 102 of housing 90 is heldagainst the surface of the cover, typically against the perimetersection 48 b. This the peripheral edge 102 of the housing 90 surroundsthe perforated section 84 a so as to direct any liquid flowing throughthe perforated section 48 a into the drain. The housing 90 in thisembodiment thus does not need to be supported by, or seal with, theinterior wall of the drain and can be suspended from the drain cover 84.

The upper portion of the housing 90 towards the rim 102 may be flaredsuch that the housing opening at the rim 102 is of greater diameter thanthe housing in the region of the valve seat(s), which is typicallygenerally tubular in shape.

Turning now to FIG. 13, there is shown another example of a drain valveassembly in which valve housing 104 is attached to a drain cover 106 byan intermediate connection member 108. The member 108 may be annular inform and may be affixed to the upper rim 102 of the housing. The member108 may be arranged to protrude, e.g. radially inwardly beyond the rim102 so as to define a flange formation which can be gripped against thecover member to hold the housing on the cover in use.

In the example of FIG. 13, a resilient coupling formation 110 is used tohold the member 108 against the cover 106, such as a spring clip. Theclip is bent so as to define a protrusion over which the member 108 canride in a first direction towards the cover 106. The clip resistsseparation of the member, and hence the housing, from the cover unlesssufficient force is applied to pull the housing and cover apart. Othersuitable latching means may be used.

The post 112 in this example is held on the cover 106 by a fastener inthe form of bolt 114 passing through the cover and into an opening inthe upper end of the post. A head 116 of the bolt may be received in arecess 118 in the upper surface of the cover. Accordingly, the head 116may be sunk within the profile of the cover whilst still allowing accessfor releasing the post. The post and associated valve members may beattached to the bolt 114, and thereby the cover 106 prior to mounting inthe drain support.

The example of FIG. 13 differs from that of FIG. 12 in that the housing104 is mounted in, and supported by, the structure 121 of the drainrather than the cover. Thus only a relatively weak coupling between thecover and housing 104 is required to suitably position the cover on thehousing in use. In this regard, the housing 104 comprises threadedengagement formations about its outer peripheral wall 119. A finish ring108 may be used for anchoring screen cover 108 to the housing 126. Thering may be fastened to the housing 116 with screws (not shown). In FIG.13, the drain support structure 121 comprises a wider, upper mouthregion 120, leading to a narrower neck region 122. Thus the mouth andneck region are separated by an intervening wall section 124. Thehousing 104 is dimensioned to fit within the wider mouth region 120. Insuch a bespoke drain construction, a flange 126 may be provided at theupper rim 102 of the housing in order to anchor the finish floor drainhousing ring 108 with screen 106. This is particularly important foranchoring post 112 to screen 106 with screw 116.

In other examples of use of a floor/ground drain, the drain valve may berequired to be sunk in a vault below the surface of the ground.Furthermore, particularly for retrofit applications, where a bespokedrain opening is not possible, it may be necessary to insert the drainvalve housing part way down a drain. In such examples, a housing of thekind shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 may be used, in which the valve members andpost are supported by one or more raised strut/spoke on the valvehousing.

In FIG. 14, there is shown a modification to the valve housing toaccommodate a clip or latch feature 128. The clip 128 is hingedlymounted to an upper region of the valve housing, for example to theouter peripheral wall or else to a strut or spoke. The clip may comprisea lug portion 130, and typically two opposing lugs 130, for insertioninto corresponding opening(s) in the housing such that the clip 128 canhinge between a deployed condition, in which the clip 128 protrudesbeyond the perimeter of the valve housing, and a retracted condition, inwhich the clip is within the housing perimeter. In the example of FIG.14, the clip 128 is upstanding when retracted and is lowered to a radialorientation when deployed.

The clip is angled part way along its length, for example to provide anelbow formation. This may help the clip achieve its radial/horizontalorientation at its outer end and may help reduce the leverage on thenode when deployed.

When deployed, the clip 128 is resiliently held in the deployedcondition. This is achieved in this example by a node/projection (e.g.,a preventer) 132 in the path of the clip between the retracted anddeployed conditions. The node 132 may be rounded in form such that theclip 128 can be resiliently deformed as it is pushed past the node 132into the deployed condition. However, the node will resist movement ofthe clip to the retracted condition until sufficient force is providedat the free end of the clip. The resistive force is greater than theweight of the valve housing such that the clip will remain deployed whenthe housing is located in position in a drain unless acted upon by anexternal force. A ground drain housing typically comprises a ledgeformation of the kind shown at 134 in FIG. 14, where an upper drainopening meets a narrower drain pipe. The clip thus beneficially rests onsuch a ledge feature when deployed. Thus the clip can be raised to allowinsertion and retrieval of the housing within the drain but will holdthe housing at the desired level within a drain in use.

In other examples, where the drain valve housing is not intended to beinserted part way down a drain housing/pipe, but is instead located atthe drain opening, the clip formation could be provided in place of aperipheral flange if preferred. The clip provides a low cost featurethat is simple to manufacture and does not cause any significant flowobstruction or site at which debris can build up. In further exampleembodiments, the housing may comprise a light-emitting, e.g.,luminescent, material. The light-emitting material may absorb lightenergy when irradiated/illuminated such that it can be seen to glow byan observer when the ambient light level is lower. The material could bea polymer having one or more active, light-emitting ingredient. Achemically/biologically inert material may be used, such as, for exampleStrontium Aluminate.

Venting System

In FIGS. 15 and 16, there are shown valve venting systems which may beapplied to any of the drain valve devices disclosed herein. Such systemsallow bypassing of the main valve member(s) via a bypass gas flowpassage.

In the example of FIG. 15, there is provided a valve support in the formof post 134 having a hollow interior so as to provide a gas ventingpassage 136. A gas venting passage is particularly beneficial inrelieving excess pressure that can build within a drain due to thenature of the seal formed by the valve members 138 and peripheralsealing gasket 140. Thus, without such a gas vent, the valve deviceeffectively seals the drain. Back pressure acting on the valves 138, canresist opening of the valves to allow liquid flow down the drain.However, if a vent is left entirely open, then odor and other unwantedairborne contaminants can escape from the drain. Therefore, a valveventing system is proposed.

In FIG. 15, the post 134 comprises a first internal passage region 142of greater width and a second region 144 of reduced internal passagewidth. Thus the internal passage comprises a restriction or neck featuredefined by the second region 144. The restriction provides a seat for avalve member 146, such that, when seated, the valve member 146 blocksthe internal flow passage at the second region or restriction 144. In anexample embodiment, the valve member may be spherical (i.e., a ball) orcylindrical.

In this example, the valve post is formed of two post members and theflow restriction can be formed where a lower post member 145 has aportion that is inserted into the upper post member 147. In the shownexample embodiment, the restriction 144 is formed on the lower postmember and inserted into the upper post member. The open end of thefirst post member is wide enough to receive the valve member 146. Inother example, in which a single post member is provided, the post maybe provided with an end cap after insertion of the valve member so as toretain the valve member 146. The cap may comprise a portion extendinginto the post such that the valve member is elevated above the lower endof the post. Otherwise a valve seat may be integrally formed within thepost part way along its length.

The valve member 146 in this example comprises a ball but an alternativedisplaceable member could be provided as long as they can be correctlyseated in the closed condition and offer a suitable mass to be displacedby valve actuation as will be discussed below.

The upper end of the post 134 is connected to raised strut 148 via ahollow connector end 149 formed on the strut 148 such that the gas flowpassage 136 communicates with the strut. The strut 148 is hollow in formand thus allows passage of gas therethrough so as to provide an outletfor gas/vapor emanating from the drain. In an example embodiment, theraised strut 148 has an opening, or is entirely open on its underside toallow escape of gas/vapor to the surrounding air. Thus the gas outlet isdownwardly facing in use. The post is removably connected to the raisedstrut, as for example by threading, to allow for easier replacement orservicing of the post if necessary.

The outlet of gas via the underside of raised strut 148 is advantageoussince the strut shields the outlet from ingress of debris in use,thereby maintaining the outlet open as far as possible. Furthermore,when coupled with the raised geometry of the strut, the gas vent outletmay be less prone to blockage by debris trapped within the body of thevalve or build-up of dirt since it is elevated above the height of thehousing. Also, the raised strut helps to ensure that under normalconditions, the gas vent is not subjected to ingress of liquid or liquidborne contaminants which could inhibit correct operation of the gas ventvalve member 146. The provision of a raised vent valve outlet within adrain valve represents one particular variant, for which the inventorhas coined the name “snorkel valve” or “snorkel vent”.

During normal operation, the vent valve 146 rests on the neck portion144 within the flow passage 136 and thus prevents escape of gas. Theweight of the vent valve member is tailored such that upon elevation ofpressure within the drain to a predetermined level, the vent valvemember will be lifted off its seat and will allow escape of gas untilthe pressure drop is sufficient to allow the valve member 146 to fallback onto its seat under its own weight. The weight of the ball orcylinder can be tailored to allow pressure venting at an internal drainpressure which is less than the pressure required to dislodge thehousing from the drain.

In one example, the venting valve member 146 may be of a densitysufficient to allow the valve member to be buoyant. Thus in the eventthat the level of liquid in the drain rises sufficiently high to causebackflow from the drain, the valve member 146 will float and therebyrise to engage an upper valve seat 153 formed by a second passagerestriction or neck formation 150 above the valve blocking flow throughthe post and to the strut. In other example embodiments, the upper valveseat 153 may be formed on a separate restriction 159 formed within theflow passage (FIGS. 8 and 18 a). The separate restriction 159 may be aconduit adhered to or otherwise formed within the flow passage.

In this manner the vent valve can also offer drain backflow protection.In other embodiments in which it is preferred to have a heavier ventingvalve member to provide a greater level of resistance to gas escape fromthe drain, a further, typically lighter valve member 155 could beprovided in order to facilitate the above described backflow protection.The further valve member could be provided atop the first valve membersuch that it is free to float upon rising liquid levels within the flowpassage 136. The further valve member could be a lightweight ball of thesame or different diameter to the first member 146.

Turning now to FIGS. 16 and 17, an alternative gas venting constructionis shown. In this example the post 152 is substantially as describedabove save that the lower end comprises an opening 154 configured toallow insertion of a valve member into the internal flow passage 156without the need for a cap member. In this example, an inwardlyprojecting lip 157 is provided about at the opening to retain a valvemember in the passage 156 once inserted. The post also comprises one ormore slots 158, typically two or more slots, in its side wall, leadingto the opening 154. Thus the walls of the post can be deformed slightlyto enlarge the opening upon insertion of the valve member 160, e.g. byflexing of the side walls. Once inserted, the side walls will flex backto trap the valve member 160.

This example also shows a two valve member configuration, of which thelower valve member is the lighter member 160. The gas venting member 162is located above the member 160 on a separate valve seat 164. Theventing ball 162 is smaller than the member 160 in this example.

As can be seen in FIG. 17, the valve seats within the post have anangled and inclined contact surface (i.e., an annular valve seatsurface) 163 so as to offer a good sealing engagement with therespective actuable ball valve.

The post of FIG. 17 provides a unitary post construction which is easyto manufacture whilst also accommodating multiple valve members. Asealing ring 165 may be provided at the interface between the post 152and the strut member 166.

The examples of FIGS. 16 and 18 demonstrate that the vent system can beapplied to different raised strut arrangements to that shown in FIG. 15.In such examples one or more raised struts 166 may be hollow and/orcomprise a recess on its underside to allow escape of gas from thedrain.

In FIGS. 16 and 18, there is shown a vent control member 168 to allow auser to manually select a desired vent setting. The vent control membercomprises a grub screw in this example but could comprise anotherrotatable insert into the strut member 166 in other embodiments.

The vent control member 168 has a directional channel or groove 170 onits underside. The vent control member has a slot 174 on its upper end.When located in the connector portion 172 (i.e. the recess) of the strutmember 166, the control member 168 can be rotated via the slot 174 toselect the angular orientation of the channel 170. Thus the channel 170can be selectively aligned or misaligned with a channel in a strut 166so as to control selective opening and closing of the gas vent.

In FIG. 18a , there is shown the option of a seal 175 about the ventcontrol member 168 to seal with the corresponding recess/opening in thestrut 166. This may help ensure unwanted gas is not allowed to escape,particularly when the vent control member is closed off.

This allows an end user to open or close the vent passage as required,for example using a manual tool, such as a screw driver or tamperresistant screw geometry. Depending on the shape of the channel 170 andthe degree of opening, the maximum gas flow rate through the vent mayalso be adjusted. FIGS. 18a and 18b shows on the right hand side somedifferent end profiles (i.e. channel shapes) of the vent control member168 which may be used depending on the number of vent openings and/orstruts to be accommodated. In the event that a plurality of struts 166and/or recesses 167 are provided, the vent control member may havechannel formations 170 suitable to vent through any or all availableopenings simultaneously. Thus the channel examples 170 a-c show channelformations that could accommodate one, two or three vent openingsrespectively.

Indicia may be provided on the strut 166 to confirm the differentcontrol orientations of the member 174. The manual adjustment of thevent control member is beneficial in that it allows the vent to beoverridden or adjusted for a particular drain installation. The use of aformation on the vent control member that is actuable by a tool isadvantageous in that it avoids the need for direct contact with thecontrol member.

The vent control feature may be applied to any example of drain valvehousing or support structure disclosed herein. In the example of a floordrain of the kind shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, for which the post ismounted on a drain cover rather than a raised strut, the vent outlet maybe provided on an underside of the drain cover, for example by way of anopening in the side of the post or else through the central aperture inthe drain cover. A vent control member could thus be provided in thecentral aperture for example by providing a member having a flow openingwithin the vent passage immediately below the vent control member. Achannel through the control member could be selectively aligned with theopening to select a vent condition of the system in the manner describedabove. In another example, a further post member could be mounted on theupward side of the drain cover and could have an outlet that is therebyraised above the drain cover.

In FIGS. 19a and 19b , a further development of the snorkel vent conceptis shown in which a venting post 180 depends upwardly from the strut.The post may have any of the vent control or vent valve featuresdisclosed herein, such as one or more vent valve members disposed withinthe post (although omitted from the figure) and/or a manually adjustablevent control member. The post also has one or more flow passage portion178 protruding radially outwardly from the post, in the form of anoverhang. An overhang 176 may take the form of a circumferential headformation (e.g., in the shape of a mushroom head) or else a plurality ofoutwardly depending passages. The underside of the overhang formation isopen, so as to form open recesses 167, thereby allowing vented gases topass into the surrounding air.

The venting post of FIGS. 19a and 19b allows a gas vent outlet to beraised in the manner of a snorkel instead of, or in addition to, theprovision of a raised strut as described herein. The venting post ofFIGS. 19a and 19b allows any drain valve assembly described herein to beadapted to allow a high flow regime without jeopardizing the ventingfunction of the drain valve. Such a venting post may be connected undera drain cover or drain valve housing using any of the engagement meansdisclosed herein. In one example embodiment, the venting post has alength of at least one inch. In another example embodiment, the ventingpost has a length in the range of one to three inches. In a furtherexample embodiment, the venting post raises the location of the ventingby one to three inches. In another example embodiment, the venting postraises the location of venting by at least one inch. This embodimentallows for the drain valve to be installed deeper in a drain vault,while at the same time allowing for venting of a location above thedrain. This will prevent the valve from clogging or fluttering which mayoccur from occasional and rapid drain flow. In example embodiments,multiple venting posts may be coupled one over the other to furtherraise the location of venting. Each venting post for example may have athreaded or bayonet type of male connector 181 opposite a femalethreaded or bayonet connection 183 at an opposite end. The male andfemale connection may be sized such that the male connector of one ventpost may be connected into the female connector of another vent post. Inthe example embodiment shown in FIG. 18a , the male connector 181 of thevent post is connected into the strut 166.

While the above examples of venting systems all concern the provision ofa venting flow passage through a central post, it will be appreciatedthat different possible types of drain valve construction may lendthemselves to alternative vent passage arrangements. For example, in theevent that a duckbill valve is used instead of a skirt valve(s)disclosed herein, it may be preferable to mount the vent flow passage toone side of the housing rather than centrally. Thus the vent passagecould be located out of the flow passage in a region immediatelyadjacent to the housing wall, e.g. within a formation used to supportsuch alternative valve types. For a duckbill valve arrangement, acentral vent passage may be particularly undesirable and so the ventpassage could run up an external wall or cavity of the housing, e.g. soas to bypass the main liquid flow valve in the housing.

In another example embodiment as shown in FIG. 20, a perforated cover190 may be fitted over any of the aforementioned embodiment valves. Forexample, a cover 190 may be fitted over the “snorkel” valve shown inFIG. 18a . The perforated cover may be dome shaped so as to fit over thestrut members 166. The perforated cover in the shown example embodimentis held in place with the vent control member 168. In another exampleembodiment, the perforated cover may be held in place with the ventingpost 180. An oversized perforated cover 190 extending beyond thediameter of the drain valve may also be used. The perforated cover,especially oversized perforated cover as shown in FIG. 21, is desired indrain applications with higher debris such as in sports stadiums wheredebris such peanut shells, bottle lids and the like are plentiful. Theoversized cover member may be mounted over the venting post 180.

In another example embodiment, a vent with or without a snorkel may beincorporated in a duckbill valve type of drain. As shown in FIG. 22, thevalve includes a housing 40 similar to the housings described inrelation to the other embodiments which may include a sealing membersuch as a sleeve or annular sealing member 73 having sealing flanges 74,or may incorporate another type of seal such as an O-ring seal 75. It isnoted that in an example embodiment disclosed in FIG. 21, both a sealinggasket and an O-ring are disclosed. However, in an example embodiment,the housing would incorporate one or the other. A gas venting passage136 is formed on one side of the housing. A strut 58 forming a snorkelmay extend from the gas venting channel. A vent switch, such as ventswitch 168 may be also incorporated to turn the vent on and off asnecessary. If a vent switch is incorporated, then the venting will onlyoccur through the vent switch. In other word, the strut will not have anopening on its underside to allow for venting. The duckbill valve 200has a mouth 202 formed around a flexible retaining ring 204. Once theretaining ring is placed within the housing 40, it expands such that itengages the inner perimeter 206 of the housing, as well as the outersurface 208 of the gas venting passage. The duckbill valve tapers fromits mouth 202 to a bill 210. As liquid enters the drain, it will enterthe duckbill valve mouth and travel to the bill which would expand toallow the flow to drain downwards. After the flow is completed, the bill210 collapses to its collapsed shape preventing gases and fluids fromcoming up. The venting passage will allow venting of gases as necessary.The valve housing may include one or more barbs 76. The venting passagecan a multi-section passage as for example the passage shown in FIG. 18and may include the valve members or balls 145, 146. The housing mayalso be a multiple section housing as for example shown in FIG. 18a .The venting passage can also be any other example embodiment ventingpassage disclosed herein as for example the venting passage disclosed inFIG. 17. The housing may also include one or more clips or latchfeatures 128 as shown in FIG. 18 a, for retaining the drain above thedrain hole into which it is inserted. Moreover, one or more clips 128with prevents 132 (as shown in FIG. 18a ) may be incorporated with thisembodiment and for example coupled to the strut 58.

A hydrophobic coating is a nanoscopic surface layer that repels water.In any of the aforementioned example embodiments, the valve housing andall the valve members, such as the valve skirt membranes, may be coatedwith a hydrophobic coating. An example hydrophobic coating is formedfrom a fluorinated reactant having from about 3 to about 20 carbon atomsand at least one terminal trifluoromethyl group polymer. Applicant hasdiscovered that use of hydrophobic coatings prevents the built up ofundesirable struvite on the coated surfaces. As a result, mold built-upis prevented or minimized and odors emulating from the valve are alsoreduced.

In other example embodiments, a numerical or electronic chip may beincorporated in the above-mentioned example embodiment valves. Forexample, the chip may be placed underneath the raised strut, or on aside of the post, or the housing. The chip may be of the type thatrequires no battery and can be interrogated by a scanner that may bepointed towards it or that may be in the vicinity of the chip. Onceinterrogated by the scanner, the chip may be able to provide informationto the scanner of when it was stalled, where it was manufactured, whenit was purchased, when the warrantee of the drain valve expires, as wellas any other information stored on the chip.

As can be seen, the example embodiment drain valves of the presentinvention may be used with waterless urinals or almost waterlessurinals. The example embodiment valves are waterless valves or almostwaterless valves in that they allow for fluids to drain, while at thesame time preventing odors from the drain emulating upwards into theatmosphere without flushing any water, or by flushing a small amount ofwater, or by flushing intermittently. In other words, when the exampleembodiment drain valves are used, the urinal does not have to be flushedat all, or may have to be flushed after predetermined time intervals, orafter a predetermined number of uses.

The terms “upper” and “lower” as used herein are relative terms todenote the relative position between two objects and not the exactposition of two objects. For example, an upper object may be lower thana lower object. Moreover, in embodiments where the male member of afirst object is received into a female member of a second object, itshould be understood that in alternate embodiment, the first object mayhave a female member instead of a male member, and the second object mayhave a male member instead of a female member, which is received on thefemale member of the first object.

Various modifications and alternative arrangements will become apparentto the skilled person based on the disclosures made herein. Such changesare to be considered to be within the ambit of the inventions disclosedherein to the extent that they fall within the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A drain valve comprising: a housing defining adrain conduit for the passage of fluids to be drained, the drain conduithaving a first rim defining an inlet to the drain conduit opposite asecond rim defining an outlet from the drain conduit; one or morenon-return valves within the drain conduit between the first rim and thesecond rim and having a closed configuration and an open configurationadapted to allow fluids to flow through the outlet of the drain conduit;and a vent conduit extending within the drain conduit and comprisinginternally: a lower valve seat; an upper valve seat; and a bypass valvepositioned between the lower valve seat and the upper valve seat, thebypass valve adapted to allow gas to bypass the one or more non-returnvalves and escape to atmosphere when the gas reaches a predeterminedpressure.
 2. The drain valve of claim 1, wherein the lower valve seat ispositioned in the vent conduit proximate an uppermost of the one or morenon-return valves, and the upper valve seat is positioned in the ventconduit proximate the vent conduit outlet.
 3. The drain valve of claim1, further comprising a float valve positioned between the bypass valveand the upper valve seat, the float valve being lighter in weight thanthe bypass valve and adapted to float in liquid.
 4. The drain valve ofclaim 1, wherein the vent conduit is aligned with a central axis of thehousing, the drain valve further comprising: one or more struts eachconnected to the vent conduit outlet at a first end and the housing at asecond end, the one or more struts each having an opening through whichgas from the vent conduit outlet flows.
 5. The drain valve of claim 4,wherein the opening in the strut is on an undersurface that faces thedrain conduit.
 6. The drain valve of claim 4, wherein the first end ofeach of the one or more struts connected to the vent conduit is at ahigher position on the central axis than the second end of each of theone or more struts connected to the housing.
 7. The drain valve of claim4, further comprising a vent control member for selectively blockingflow through the vent conduit outlet to the one or more struts.
 8. Thedrain valve of claim 7, wherein the vent control member is positioned atthe first end of the one or more struts and within the vent conduitoutlet, the vent control member adjustable to allow flow throughselected one or more struts.
 9. The drain valve of claim 1, wherein thevent conduit has a vent conduit outlet at a location external to thefirst rim of the housing.
 10. The drain valve of claim 1, wherein thevent conduit is aligned with a central axis of the housing, the drainvalve further comprising: one or more struts each connected to the ventconduit at a first end and the housing at a second end; and a vent postextending beyond the first end of the one or more struts and having adistal vent end through which gas is vented to atmosphere.
 11. The drainvalve of claim 1, wherein the vent conduit has a first portion thatextends along an internal surface of the drain conduit to the first rimof the housing and a second portion that extends obliquely from thefirst portion at the first rim and toward a central axis of the housing,the vent conduit end positioned at a distal part of the second portion.12. A drain valve system comprising: a housing arranged to be located ina drain opening; one or more non-return valves supported within thehousing, wherein each of the one or more non-return valves has an openposition and a closed position; a bypass flow passage arranged toprovide a flow that bypasses the one or more non-return valves while inthe closed position, the flow in the bypass flow passage adapted to flowin a direction opposite to flow allowed by the one or more non-returnvalves when in the open position; and a vent end of the bypass flowpassage positioned above the one or more non-return valves andconfigured to vent to atmosphere.
 13. The drain valve system of claim12, further comprising a first float valve member in the bypass flowpassage, wherein a first float valve seat is defined in the bypass flowpassage, and wherein when the first float valve member sits on the firstfloat valve seat, flow through the bypass flow passage is blocked. 14.The drain valve system of claim 13, further comprising a second floatvalve member in the bypass flow passage, wherein a second float valveseat is defined in the bypass flow passage, and wherein when the secondfloat valve member sits on the vent float valve seat, flow through thebypass flow passage is blocked.
 15. The drain valve system of claim 12,wherein the bypass flow passage is provided within a post within thehousing from which the one or more non-return valves extend.
 16. Thedrain valve system of claim 15, wherein the post is aligned with acentral axis of the housing.
 17. The drain valve system of claim 16,further comprising a strut extending from the post and through which thebypass flow passage extends, wherein flow through the bypass flowpassage will exit through the strut.
 18. The drain valve system of claim17, wherein the housing has an uppermost portion, and at least a portionof the strut extends above the uppermost portion of the housing.
 19. Thedrain valve system of claim 16, further comprising a vent control memberfor selectively blocking flow through the bypass flow passage.
 20. Thedrain valve system of claim 17, further comprising a vent control memberpositioned at a junction between the post and the strut, the ventcontrol member adjustable to allow or block flow through the bypass flowpassage in the strut.